A7 career opportunities in the water wastewater industry

Career Opportunities in theWater and Wastewater Industry Ontario Ministry of the Environment – Drinking Water Management Division November 3, 2010 OCASI Annual Conference www.ontario.ca/drinkingwater

Purpose of Presentation• Background on Ontario’s drinking water.• Describe Ontario’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Certification Program.• Outline career opportunities for internationally trained professionals and others who are interested in pursuing a career in the water industry.• Provide opportunity for questions and discussion.2

Ontario’s Drinking Water• Many of our immigrants come from countries where the water is not safe to drink.• Since the tragedy of Walkerton ten years ago, Ontario has become a world leader in drinking water protection.• Extensive network of safeguards, a safety net, that covers the entire drinking water system, from source to tap.3

Ontario’s Drinking Water• Over 99% of results from municipal drinking water meet our strict, health- based standards.• Ministry of the Environment inspects annually all municipal drinking water systems and the licensed laboratories that analyze water samples.• Most inexpensive drinking water choice, costing about1/8 of one cent per litre.4

Strong Training System• The strength of our safety net ultimately rests on the people who operate and manage the treatment systems.• Training requirements for operators among the most stringent in the world.• Many career opportunities in the water sector and ways to prepare for such a career.5

Presenters• Kewal Kharbanda, Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office• Ranee Mahalingam, Ministry of the Environment 6

Opportunities within Water Industry Some examples of careers that can be found in the water industry are:• Engineers• Environmental Technicians• Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators• Hydrologist• Well Technician• Research/Scientist• Water Quality Analyst• Lab Technician• Inspectors (for the Provincial Government)• Trainers7

Employers in this Industry• Municipalities• Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)• Hydro One• Engineering Firms• Construction Companies• Private Operating Authorities (i.e. Veolia Water)• Maintenance Contractors (i.e., A-1 Hydrant)• Nuclear Sites/Industrial Mines• Provincial Government• Laboratories• Equipment Suppliers (i.e., disinfection suppliers)• Manufacturers of treatment equipment (i.e., Zenon)8

Benefits of Employment in the Water and Wastewater Industry• Good salary• Benefits• Profession to be proud of, contributing to the health and welfare of your community• Growth and remove to advance• Continual training• There will be large turnover due to retirement in the next five years.9

Opportunities as an Operator “It’s been estimated that almost 50% of today’s water and wastewater operators will retire within the next five to seven years. They’ll need to be replaced. Because qualified operators are expected to be in short supply, those with ambition may see more opportunities for advancement, a choice of locations and utility size, work schedule flexibility, employer- supported training, and negotiable wages and benefits.”~ The American Water Works Association10

Certification Program• The ministry introduced voluntary certification for water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection operators in 1987.• In 2004 the Certification of Drinking-Water System Operators and Water Quality Analysts Regulation (O.Reg 128/04) and the Licensing of Sewage Works Operators Regulation (O.Reg. 129/04) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 and the Ontario Water Resources Act were passed.11

Certification Program• The three principals of the Certification Program are: – Knowledge – Experience – Training12

Certification ProgramKnowledgeNew operators are required to:• pass an examination relevant to the type of system they are going to be working in;• provide evidence of the completion of grade 12 or equivalent; and• complete a comprehensive two week entry level course so that they have a strong foundation of knowledge to begin their career as an operator.13

Certification ProgramExperience Operators provide evidence of experience to upgrade to higher levels of certification, and to maintain their current certificate or licence. This ensures that the operator has both practical and hands on knowledge.15

Certification ProgramTraining Operators are required to complete annual training to maintain their status as an operator. As operators gain experience and training they are able to move to higher levels of certification.16

Certification Program Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO)• Administer Water/ Wastewater operator certification on behalf of MOE• Parent company – HR Associates Inc17

Certification ProgramServices we provide:• Verify Knowledge – administer operator certification exams• Verify Experience and education – to upgrade a certificate/ licence• Verify Training – to maintain certification18

Certification ProgramServices we provide:• Review water/ wastewater facilities to determine complexity of systems and make recommendations to MOE• Review courses19

Certification ProgramForeign Education and Experience• MOE accepts foreign education, assessed for Canadian equivalency• MOE recognizes foreign experience obtained in a municipal set up for operator certification20

Conclusion• Thank you for the opportunity to present to you.• We would be interested in attending other such events or meeting with your staff about Ontario’s tap water and career opportunities in the water sector. If this interests you, contact Liz Bohnen, 416-212-1334 or liz.bohnen@ontario.ca.21

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A7 career opportunities in the water wastewater industry

by ocasiconference on Nov 26, 2010

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A7 career opportunities in the water wastewater industry — Presentation Transcript